Albert Einstein – Mathematician/scientist “As to my work, it no longer amounts to much, I don’t get many results anymore and have to be satisfied with playing the Elder Statesman and the Jewish Saint” - Albert Einstein
Born: Ulm Württemberg Germany on the 14th of March 1879 Died: Princeton, New Jersey on the 18th of April 1955
Introduction Albert Einstein is a significant figure in world history and he successfully fulfills the devised criteria. He has had a large and positive impact on world history. Albert Einstein satisfies the devised criteria as he has had a significant impact on society through his scientific discoveries. As a scientist and mathematician he discovered and developed theories and laws. The discovery and development of such laws provides scientists and other mathematicians with information enabling them to further develop and expand. He has had a profound impact on the course of history. He faced many challenges throughout his life and he had a positive impact on society and particularly science. He has achieved and developed greatness through his intelligence and determination.
Timeline: 1879: Born in Ulm Wurttemberg Germany 1896: Entered the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich to be trained as a teacher in physics and mathematics 1901: Gained his diploma and he acquired Swiss citizenship 1905: Obtained his Doctors degree 1908: He was appointed Privatdozent in Berne 1909: Became Professor Extraordinary at Zurich 1911: Professor of Theoretical Physics at Prague 1914: Appointed Director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Physical Institute and Professor in the University of Berlin 1916: Published his paper on the general theory of relativity 1930: Declared his agreement with de Sitter in a paper that can be regarded as one of the foundation documents of modern cosmology 1933: Renounced his German citizenship for political reasons and immigrated to America to take the position of Professor of Theoretical Physics at Princeton 1955: Einstein Died Significance/place in World history: Albert Einstein is a significant figure whom has contributed largely to developing scientific theories which has lead to developments in technology and advancements in society. He was born in Germany and attended school at the Luitpold Gymnasium. He later moved to Italy and continued his education at Aarua, Switzerland. In 1986 he entered the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich to be trained as a teacher in physics and mathematics. He, like Isaac Newtown, began his work that led to important discoveries at an early age and become involved in Politics later. Einstein overturned the fundamental ideas on the nature of time and science. These concepts are basic to all scientific observations so understanding them was essential. Einstein stated that gravitation could be thought of as a distortion on the space around an object. He shifted and changed to focus of attention to the properties of space around an object. He was also responsible for a wider-ranging revolution. He was a founder of Quantum mechanics. His ideas and analysis of space, time, matter and radiation has provided the foundation of much 20th century physics. The preservation of his papers and documents, which most authentically reflect his ideas, theories and concepts provide a sustainable way of maintaining his legacy and brilliance. Albert Einstein has had a major impact on society making him an important and significant figure. His research dealt with the main areas of the 20th century; theoretical physics, gravitation and quantum mechanics. Einstein spent the last decades of his life trying to bring together into a unified theory these two basic aspects of modern physics one which dealt with very large amounts of matter and the other with very small amounts. His legacy is that of an intelligent being who had a superior intellect. He is most renowned for his successful contribution to modern physics. Such theories have also impacted and contributed to philosophy, visual art, and literature in that they provide ideas and inspiration. Einstein served as a lightning rod for a range of political agendas. He assisted and contributed to visual arts as his works influenced much of European art of the post-World War I years. A new art form was established that consisted of breaking the essence of the depicted object into geometrical planes, thereby presenting multiple points of view simultaneously. Einstein can therefore be seen as one of the most influential begins to change and impact world history. His ideas have helped shaped what society is today.
Why can he be regarded as the most significant figure in world history? Einstein can be regarded as the most influential figure in world history as his concepts and work has affected and benefited people throughout the world. His work doesn’t merely impact a certain group of people in a particular time period rather his work has impacted the entire world and it will continue to do so for generations to come. His discoveries have lead to theories being further developed. The ideas he has developed have contributed to and established the creation of many technologies which positively impact on society. The creation of new technologies and theories leads to a more efficient society. He has risen to power and fame due to his intelligence and perseverance. He has had a profound impact on society. He can be seen to have the largest impact on the greatest number of people. Hi work is able to apply and effect all people making him applicable to be declared the most significant figure in world history.
Historical Perspectives: There are a range of historical perspectives and ideologies surrounding the works and life of Albert Einstein. Jewish Science in Nazi Germany: Einstein’s immediate fame after WW1 joined with his pacifism fanned anti-Semitic opposition to his ideas. Anti-Semitism had existed for centuries and it was apparent. The attack on “Jewish Science” was new and used in opposition to Einstein’s theories. One scientist German Philipp Lenard claimed that Einstein’s theory of relativity was part of a Jewish conspiracy to undermine “true science”. Communism, “idealism” and Lysenkoism: The essence of the Nazi argument that Jewish scientists introduced an “unacceptable” way of looking at the world was repeated in the Soviet Union but from a different viewpoint. That being that these theories are surrounded and based upon the idea of “idealism” and that they failed to reflect everyday reality as depicted in Marxist – Leninist’s theory. This is evident in the latter part of the 1920s, Soviet newspapers began to mention an agricultural researcher Trofim Lysekno who attacked the current accepted theories of heredity and evolution Einstein and Literature: Stephen Leacock, a Canadian humorist wrote about Einstein at the time. Many people believed it was near impossible to understand Einstein’s work. Stephen wrote “But it was Einstein who made the real trouble. He announced in 1905 that there was no such thing as absolute rest. After that there never was. Einstein explains that there is no such place as here. ‘But’, you answer, ‘I’m here; here is where I am right now’. But you’re moving, you’re spinning round as the earth spins; and you and earth are both spinning around the sun and the sun is rushing through space towards a distant galaxy, and the galaxy itself is beating it away at 26, 000 miles a second. Now where is that spot that is here!”. He also indicates that “Relativity had made the greatest impact on science fiction. The main problem for this genre is the limitations on travel imposed by the finite speed of light. Writers who want their characters to venture beyond the solar system immediately face the difficulty of the long travel times involved”. Indicating that due to Einstein’s theories, writers are required to change how their characters act. Einstein’s theories influenced many nonscientists thinking.
--> A medal Einstein received for undergoing extensive research
“As to my work, it no longer amounts to much, I don’t get many results anymore and have to be satisfied with playing the Elder Statesman and the Jewish Saint” - Albert Einstein
Born: Ulm Württemberg Germany on the 14th of March 1879
Died: Princeton, New Jersey on the 18th of April 1955
Introduction
Albert Einstein is a significant figure in world history and he successfully fulfills the devised criteria. He has had a large and positive impact on world history. Albert Einstein satisfies the devised criteria as he has had a significant impact on society through his scientific discoveries. As a scientist and mathematician he discovered and developed theories and laws. The discovery and development of such laws provides scientists and other mathematicians with information enabling them to further develop and expand. He has had a profound impact on the course of history. He faced many challenges throughout his life and he had a positive impact on society and particularly science. He has achieved and developed greatness through his intelligence and determination.
Timeline:
1879: Born in Ulm Wurttemberg Germany
1896: Entered the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich to be trained as a teacher in physics and mathematics
1901: Gained his diploma and he acquired Swiss citizenship
1905: Obtained his Doctors degree
1908: He was appointed Privatdozent in Berne
1909: Became Professor Extraordinary at Zurich
1911: Professor of Theoretical Physics at Prague
1914: Appointed Director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Physical Institute and Professor in the University of Berlin
1916: Published his paper on the general theory of relativity
1930: Declared his agreement with de Sitter in a paper that can be regarded as one of the foundation documents of modern cosmology
1933: Renounced his German citizenship for political reasons and immigrated to America to take the position of Professor of Theoretical Physics at Princeton
1955: Einstein Died
Significance/place in World history:
Albert Einstein is a significant figure whom has contributed largely to developing scientific theories which has lead to developments in technology and advancements in society. He was born in Germany and attended school at the Luitpold Gymnasium. He later moved to Italy and continued his education at Aarua, Switzerland. In 1986 he entered the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich to be trained as a teacher in physics and mathematics. He, like Isaac Newtown, began his work that led to important discoveries at an early age and become involved in Politics later. Einstein overturned the fundamental ideas on the nature of time and science. These concepts are basic to all scientific observations so understanding them was essential. Einstein stated that gravitation could be thought of as a distortion on the space around an object. He shifted and changed to focus of attention to the properties of space around an object. He was also responsible for a wider-ranging revolution. He was a founder of Quantum mechanics. His ideas and analysis of space, time, matter and radiation has provided the foundation of much 20th century physics. The preservation of his papers and documents, which most authentically reflect his ideas, theories and concepts provide a sustainable way of maintaining his legacy and brilliance. Albert Einstein has had a major impact on society making him an important and significant figure. His research dealt with the main areas of the 20th century; theoretical physics, gravitation and quantum mechanics. Einstein spent the last decades of his life trying to bring together into a unified theory these two basic aspects of modern physics one which dealt with very large amounts of matter and the other with very small amounts.
His legacy is that of an intelligent being who had a superior intellect. He is most renowned for his successful contribution to modern physics. Such theories have also impacted and contributed to philosophy, visual art, and literature in that they provide ideas and inspiration. Einstein served as a lightning rod for a range of political agendas. He assisted and contributed to visual arts as his works influenced much of European art of the post-World War I years. A new art form was established that consisted of breaking the essence of the depicted object into geometrical planes, thereby presenting multiple points of view simultaneously. Einstein can therefore be seen as one of the most influential begins to change and impact world history. His ideas have helped shaped what society is today.
Why can he be regarded as the most significant figure in world history?
Einstein can be regarded as the most influential figure in world history as his concepts and work has affected and benefited people throughout the world. His work doesn’t merely impact a certain group of people in a particular time period rather his work has impacted the entire world and it will continue to do so for generations to come. His discoveries have lead to theories being further developed. The ideas he has developed have contributed to and established the creation of many technologies which positively impact on society. The creation of new technologies and theories leads to a more efficient society. He has risen to power and fame due to his intelligence and perseverance. He has had a profound impact on society. He can be seen to have the largest impact on the greatest number of people. Hi work is able to apply and effect all people making him applicable to be declared the most significant figure in world history.
Historical Perspectives:
There are a range of historical perspectives and ideologies surrounding the works and life of Albert Einstein.
Jewish Science in Nazi Germany:
Einstein’s immediate fame after WW1 joined with his pacifism fanned anti-Semitic opposition to his ideas. Anti-Semitism had existed for centuries and it was apparent. The attack on “Jewish Science” was new and used in opposition to Einstein’s theories. One scientist German Philipp Lenard claimed that Einstein’s theory of relativity was part of a Jewish conspiracy to undermine “true science”.
Communism, “idealism” and Lysenkoism:
The essence of the Nazi argument that Jewish scientists introduced an “unacceptable” way of looking at the world was repeated in the Soviet Union but from a different viewpoint. That being that these theories are surrounded and based upon the idea of “idealism” and that they failed to reflect everyday reality as depicted in Marxist – Leninist’s theory. This is evident in the latter part of the 1920s, Soviet newspapers began to mention an agricultural researcher Trofim Lysekno who attacked the current accepted theories of heredity and evolution
Einstein and Literature:
Stephen Leacock, a Canadian humorist wrote about Einstein at the time. Many people believed it was near impossible to understand Einstein’s work. Stephen wrote “But it was Einstein who made the real trouble. He announced in 1905 that there was no such thing as absolute rest. After that there never was. Einstein explains that there is no such place as here. ‘But’, you answer, ‘I’m here; here is where I am right now’. But you’re moving, you’re spinning round as the earth spins; and you and earth are both spinning around the sun and the sun is rushing through space towards a distant galaxy, and the galaxy itself is beating it away at 26, 000 miles a second. Now where is that spot that is here!”. He also indicates that “Relativity had made the greatest impact on science fiction. The main problem for this genre is the limitations on travel imposed by the finite speed of light. Writers who want their characters to venture beyond the solar system immediately face the difficulty of the long travel times involved”. Indicating that due to Einstein’s theories, writers are required to change how their characters act. Einstein’s theories influenced many nonscientists thinking.
--> A medal Einstein received for undergoing extensive research
By Josie McEnallay